Queen's Birthday in 2024

When is the Queen's Birthday in Australia?

The Queen's Birthday holiday was a moveable feast celebrating the birthday of Queen Elizabeth II who was not only Queen of Great Britain but also Queen of Australia, New Zealand and 13 of the 50 other countries in the Commonwealth. 

The holiday traditionally marks the start of the Australian ski season.

On this day, businesses will generally be closed. Shops may open but observe restricted trading hours. Transport may operate on a Saturday or reduced timetable.

In Queensland, this holiday is observed on the first Monday in October since 2016.

In Western Australia, the Queen's Birthday holiday is celebrated in either late September or early October. The date is decided by the state governor.

History of the Queen's Birthday

The Queen's actual birthday is neither in June nor October but in April. The official birthday is in June to increase the chance of good weather for the celebrations in the UK, not to help the Australian ski industry. It is not a public holiday in the UK.

Since 1748, the monarch's official birthday has been marked by an outdoor parade known as Trooping the Colour which was usually held on the king or queen's actual birthday. Edward VII, who reigned from 1901 to 1910, was born in November. Instead of making the troops parade on a cold and dark November morning, the tradition began of celebrating his birthday officially in May or June as there was less chance of it being chilly and drizzly during the event. This tradition was then carried on by subsequent monarchs.

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary of the House of Windsor was born on April 21st, 1926.

In 1952, after the death of her father, King George VI, Elizabeth succeeded to the throne and was known thereafter as Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen Elizabeth II continues to reign as Queen of Australia after a referendum in 1999 which resulted in the retention of Australia's constitutional monarchy.